Results 19,761-19,780 of 32,726 for speaker:Paschal Donohoe

Other Questions: Tax Appeals Commission (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: The number of appeals coming to the commission is now far greater than it was when it was set up. I cannot think of any other organisation that has seen its resources quadruple in four years and about which I will say in the House that I am seriously considering a request for more resources, which I am. It is in everybody's interests to ensure that appeals submitted to the commission are...

Other Questions: Banking Operations (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: I am accountable for both and, as the Deputy knows, different banks have handled this matter in different ways. The framework that we have had in place has served most people well as they have tried to deal with difficulties with personal debt at a time of economic difficulty. In the time open to me, I am looking to find a way in which we can make sure we have the right framework in place...

Other Questions: Banking Operations (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: I do not have the information for the Deputy on that. I do not know but I will find out for him and write back to him. I will check that and give the Deputy the answer to it.

Other Questions: Vacant Sites (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: Following a commitment given in budget 2015, a public consultation was conducted by my Department in that year on the issue of unused zoned and serviced land with a view to examining what taxation measures might be taken to penalise landowners who do not develop such land. Separately, the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 introduced new powers for local authorities to incentivise the...

Other Questions: Vacant Sites (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: As the Deputy knows, I am well aware of O'Devaney Gardens. I hope that there will soon be an announcement on how that project will progress. I know the Deputy will welcome that as much as I will because it is a really important development. With regard to what Deputy Wallace said about the operation of the levy, we now have 235 sites from 12 local authorities - I know Dublin will be one -...

Other Questions: Vacant Sites (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: The Deputy put a question to me about what we are willing to do. I have said, in the context of the Project Ireland 2040 plan, that we will put in place a State organisation to develop our own landbank. Where I agree with the Deputy, although I differ on the form of taxation policy to deal with the matter, is that the supply and pricing of land is fundamental to the operation of the housing...

Other Questions: Mortgage Book Sales (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: I believe banks should give as much information as they possibly can to the committee and answer any questions that are put to them. I know that when banks are managing these sales, constraints are generated. I was affected by this myself in respect of what I was able to say about the Permanent TSB disclosure. However, within the constraints that are imposed due to stock market rules, it...

Other Questions: Mortgage Book Sales (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: When I am in front of the committee, while we do differ on matters, sometimes vigorously, I do give as much information as I can and I believe other witnesses before the committee should do the same.

Other Questions: Banking Operations (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: I have outlined to Permanent TSB the views that I have shared with the House this afternoon, namely, that I understand that they are subject to a requirement from the regulator to reduce their non-performing loans. They took me through the circumstances that their bank faces, much of which I was aware of. I described to them the process that is open to me and the point at which I would be...

Other Questions: Banking Operations (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: The code of conduct is currently being reviewed by the Central Bank. Under the powers available to me under the Central Bank Act, I asked that it conduct a review regarding the operation and effectiveness of the code of conduct as it currently stands. I am aware of potential change that could happen in the future and I want to make sure we are striking the right balance between our...

Other Questions: Mortgage Book Sales (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: I am well aware of the concerns on this matter. In responding to questions I try to show that we also have to get to a place where the level of non-performing loans that Irish banks have is reduced. There have been several years of economic growth in our economy. People have returned to work, in no small part due to the decisions made by the Government of which the Deputy was a member....

Other Questions: Mortgage Book Sales (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: Customers and citizens have been making agreements with many banks to help get through the grave difficulty in which they were and still are. The Deputy refers to structures. I can mention the personal insolvency legislation and organisations such as Abhaile, all of which have contributed to a massive reduction in mortgage arrears over recent years, for 16 or 17 consecutive quarters. That...

Other Questions: Mortgage Book Sales (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: As the Deputy will be aware, the definition of what constitutes an NPL is not determined by me but rather by the relevant accounting standards and regulatory bodies, including the Single Supervisory Mechanism, SSM, and the European Banking Authority. As the question specifically relates to the treatment of restructured loans, I shall repeat the context I provided in respect of this matter...

Other Questions: Mortgage Book Sales (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: It is appalling that anybody who is dealing a family facing such pressures would seek to treat domiciliary care allowance and its payment in the same way as they would other income streams into the home. I am aware that access to that payment is based on severe need. I also know, from ample experience, that the payment is used to help families get by in supporting loved ones that have great...

Other Questions: Mortgage Book Sales (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: Several points have been put to me. First, I am aware of the differing testimonies given by both banks in recent weeks. While there is no need to do so, we will, of course, look at the transcripts. We were aware of what was said during the questions put to the banks by members of the joint committee. I am aware of how this matter was handled by the different banks. I have outlined what we...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: NAMA Operations (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: I completely reject the inference by the Deputy that what it is doing is in any way criminal or nearly criminal. The Deputy might have a different view on the matter but NAMA's current policy on the management of emails is consistent with its obligations under freedom of information legislation and with regard to best practice on how these records can be filed and for how long they should be...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Loan Books Purchasers (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: As I have already indicated, I am not in a position to use the requirement for the banks to consult with me in order to block a sale of this type. As I have already stressed, I am aware of the concerns of mortgage holders in respect of these potential sales and I have committed to a number of actions. I have committed to working with Deputy Michael McGrath on his Bill to regulate funds and...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Loan Books Purchasers (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: I find it ironic that the Deputy is asking me to not answer questions that he has not put to me given the question he put to me is different to the one he shared with me in written format and which I answered. I have already indicated that I am not in a position to direct the bank not to go ahead with loan book sales.

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: Loan Books Purchasers (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: I want to put it on the record that I am not party to and do not support any attempts to demean people who have been making efforts to pay their mortgages. It is difficult and stressful for anybody, regardless of his or her circumstances, who experiences problems in the context of his or her mortgage. It is in response to this that we put in place Abhaile, the code of conduct on mortgage...

Ceisteanna - Questions (Resumed) - Priority Questions: NAMA Operations (27 Mar 2018)

Paschal Donohoe: It is important to clarify that any suggestion that NAMA deletes all emails of staff members one year after departure is not correct. I am advised that, as a first step, NAMA ensures that all emails of business or long-term value are retained in the appropriate repositories. Only when managers are assured that such records have been retained and stored can they authorise the deletion of...